Abbey ward cost of living pop-up offers food, advice, information – and a free blackout-proof LED light bulb
The third Cost of Living Support Pop Up took place at Christ the Redeemer church on the Newmarket Road this week, providing Abbey residents with drop-in information, food, advice and a remarkable light bulb, of which more later.
The Pop Ups roadshow began in Chesterton on October 19 before continuing at the Church of the Good Shepherd (CB4) on November 1.
The one at Christ the Redeemer church ran from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Stallholders included Cambridge Sustainable Food, Grow Kids, Household Support, Healthwatch Cambridgeshire, GamCare, Healthy You, and Citizens Advice Bureau.
Among the teams delivering the advice and information at the community hall were organisers Jo Hunt, community connector at Think Communities Cambridge (run by the county council), and Binnie Pickard, senior community development officer for Cambridge City Council.
“It’s a joint collaboration between the county and city councils,” says Binnie.
“This one is quieter – the Chesterton one was packed,” adds Jo. “But everyone here has gone away with help for their problems, often more help than they expected.
“The Household Support Fund has been visited a lot. That’s part of the county council, to see if you’re eligible for funding to assist for food or energy or bills – and Citizens Advice are helping on benefits and housing questions. Being here allows people to have conversations.”
“Don’t forget the pre-loved coats for children at Grow Kids,” adds Binnie.
Noami Bennett, one of three Green Party councillors for Abbey ward, points out that the hall will be in use again next week – as a warm hub.
“It’s three days a week,” she says. “Tuesdays 6pm to 9pm, Thursdays 5pm to 9pm and Sundays 4pm to 6pm. It’s a lot for a small church.”
Cllr Bennett has a theory about why the turnout is low.
“Abbey people are very much ‘mustn’t grumble, I’m OK’,” she says. “But quite often it’s not OK. We find that when we go visiting. People might ask us about a low-key problem, like something to do with a neighbour of an overgrown hedge, and once you step inside their home they’ll start opening up.
“It’s especially hard for the older generation to say they need help. My mum used to call it ‘the silent generation’ but I call it the ‘mustn’t grumble’ generation. Sometimes I wish they would grumble!”
Mark Harbour, the Grow Kids coordinator, said: “It’s a bit slower, this one, but it doesn’t matter, lots of people came earlier on, so if they’ve managed to clothe their children it’s been worthwhile.”
The organisers left the biggest surprise to last: a free LED light bulb was being given out.
“The light is really good for power cuts,” said Noami. “It’s got a battery on board which charges up and if there’s a power cut it works for four hours.”
“We’re giving them away for free at all the pop-ups,” added Elliot Tong, the Green Party team leader.
Could any single product be more 2022?
You can find out more about the pop ups here.
The next pop-up is at The C3 Church on November 9, 11am-2pm; Cambridge Central Library, November 15, 1-4pm; The Clay Farm Centre, November 17, 3-6pm; Cambridge Central Mosque, November 24, 4-7pm; and St James Church CB1, November 29, 2-5pm.
